FAQ

• Why does the City of Knowledge admit International Organizations

  It is part of CDS's vision to generate a pole of organizations and institutions that work for sustainable development of the region and the planet. These institutions create a natural synergy with research centers and even with companies doing business that is applicable to an improvement of life conditions or sustainable exploitation of natural resources.

  We are interested in Organizations with high­level content and the best and most updated knowledge. We are aware that the natural and social phenomena of Latin America are studied and assessed within International Organizations. This information is the basis for designing our countries’ public policies and, to that extent, their work is essential for the region.

• What is the difference between an IO and an NGO?

  An International Organization (IO) is created by States willing to work on a development area. They are supra­state institutions, funded by the various member countries, which work within the framework of international cooperation agreements. An IO is a public entity. A Non­Governmental Organization (NGO) is born of civil society initiative, has no organic relationship with governments, and, although it may be financed by them, it is independent in its policies and actions. An NGO is a private entity.

• Who is entitled to IO status?

  Organizations created as such which are recognized by the Panamanian State.

• How is IO status obtained?

  Through a resolution issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after application by the IO.

• What kind of legal status does an NGO need to become a CDS affiliate?

  Just like any legal person, both national and international NGOs must have legal status in Panama. For that purpose, they must fulfill the relevant formalities with the Ministry of Government and Justice.

• How does an NGO qualify for admission into the City of Knowledge?

  NGOs, just like any other organization aspiring to operate in the City of Knowledge, must meet the overall admission criteria, as well as those specific to the International Organizations and Cooperation Department.

• What does "CDS is the UN‘s regional hub" mean?

  The regional headquarters of most UN agencies working in Latin America and the Caribbean will be located in Panama. UNICEF, UNEP, WFP, UNAIDS, OCHA, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNOPS, PAHO, (Office for Emergency and Disasters, CPS, and ISDR, International Strategy for Disaster Reduction).

• What is understood by International Cooperation?

  When we refer to International Cooperation, we are not talking about the theoretical or political concept, but of concrete projects, some of them developed by the City of Knowledge or by the organizations operating from CDS.

• How long does the whole process of affiliation to CDS as an IO or an NGO take?

  Since IOs have an international mission status, they negotiate a cooperation agreement. Only NGOs become affiliated. Once they have completed their admission form and submitted all the necessary documents, the process takes six to eight weeks.

• Is there any financial aid for NGOs wishing to become CDS affiliates?

  Not as such, but they do benefit from the incentives we offer. Please check CDS‘s benefits.

• What is the difference between being an affiliate and having a lease?

  CDS is not a real estate operation. Our purpose is to provide spaces for organizations developing programs that are in line with our subject areas. We are forced by our business pattern to charge rental costs. An organization that is not affiliated or does not have an agreement cannot rent spaces. Only commercial spaces are for rent and they are managed by the Infrastructure and Service Department.

• What are the real chances of creating synergies with other institutions present at CDS?

  All of them. We promote synergies through formal and informal (social) activities.

• Must the documents required for the admission process be legalized or certified with an apostille?

  No. CDS relies on the good faith principle and avoids all unnecessary bureaucracy.

• Is there an official language at CDS?

  No, everything is spoken for everyone. FCDS Administration handles its documentation in English and Spanish, but we have associates and staff members who speak German and French.

• Is affiliation as an IO or an NGO indefinite?

  No. Just like all other affiliations, it is for a three­ to five­year term, and after that, the organization’s performance is subject to evaluation before renewal of the agreement.

• Where can you send us your ideas?

  Use the PBA Admission form.